Can AD Ports Group unlock Douala’s trade potential?

AD Ports Group has entered Africa Ports Development’s 30 year concession to develop and operate a new dry bulk terminal at the Port of Douala in the Republic of Cameroon, marking a further expansion of its African footprint

Under the agreed investment framework, AD Ports Group and two UAE based investors will hold a combined 60% stake in the operating company, alongside Africa Ports Development LTD with 40%. This structure translates into an effective economic interest of 51% for AD Ports Group.

Aligned with its ownership share, AD Ports Group’s portion of the phase 1 investment is projected at approximately AED 320 million, (approx. US$87mn). The first phase will deliver two berths and roughly 450 metres of quay wall, with an annual handling capacity of about 4 million tonnes of dry bulk commodities including clinker, gypsum, fertiliser and grain.

Construction is scheduled between 2026 and 2028 and will be undertaken in close coordination with the Port Authority of Douala to respond to sustained demand at Cameroon’s main maritime gateway.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO - AD Ports Group, said, “This agreement represents a strategically important expansion of AD Ports Group’s presence in Africa and reinforces our commitment to developing high-impact maritime infrastructure in high-growth markets, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. The Douala dry bulk terminal will enhance trade resilience, support industrial development, and strengthen Cameroon’s role as a gateway to Central Africa.”

Al Menhali added: “Through our partnership with Africa Ports Development, we are combining local market expertise with AD Ports Group’s global capabilities in port development and operations to support the Port Authority of Douala’s plans to modernise and enhance Douala Port, enabling regional trade and long-term economic growth. We commend the Port Authority for the significant progress achieved in recent years, which has driven strong growth in Cameroon’s maritime sector, and we look forward to contributing further to its long-term development ambitions.”

Marc Tabchy, managing partner of Africa Ports Development, said,“We are honoured to bring this partnership to life with AD Ports Group, a global reference that shares our firm belief in this project, in Cameroon, and in the potential of the African continent. Building upon the opportunity provided by the Port Authority of Douala’s modernisation and specialisation initiatives, this collaboration establishes a strategic synergy combining our group’s ambition and regional depth with AD Ports Group’s operational excellence.”

Situated at the Port of Douala, Cameroon’s largest seaport and the primary entry point for bulk imports, the new terminal is expected to reinforce regional supply chains and improve the handling efficiency of essential cargo streams. The port also functions as a vital transit corridor for landlocked markets across Central Africa, and the project will benefit from established hinterland connections linking Douala to major industrial zones and regional trade routes.

The development forms part of AD Ports Group’s broader growth strategy across the continent, building on its existing operations and investments in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and the Republic of the Congo, and strengthening its role as a key partner for trade, logistics and enabling infrastructure in Africa.